Master Singer Wang Gi-cheol Performs Complete Heungboga After 20 Years... "A New Feeling"

Performance at National Theater Sky Theater on the 12th of next month

Master Singer Wang Gi-cheol. Photo by National Theater

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Wang Gicheol, a master singer known for his "clear and powerful voice," will perform a full rendition of "Heungboga" at the National Theater for the first time in 20 years.

On the 17th, the National Theater announced that the full pansori performance "Wang Gicheol's Heungboga" will be held on March 12 at 3 p.m. at the Haneul Theater in the National Theater, Jung-gu, Seoul.

Park Nokju's "Heungboga" is a style of pansori that continues the Dongpyeonje tradition developed in the eastern region of the Seomjin River. Dongpyeonje is characterized by a refreshing sound that is powerful and delivered in a full voice rather than with ornamental techniques, and by clear and strong expression at the end of phrases, resulting in a thick and solemn tone. The "Heungboga" refined by master singer Park Nokju is praised for its concise lyrics and the added enjoyment of humorous sections through rhythmic variations.

Master Wang is the last disciple of master Han Nongsun, who was designated as a holder of the "Heungboga" artistic skill following master Park Nokju. Having learned "Heungboga" from master Han, he gave his first full "Heungboga" performance in June 2002, but his late teacher, who passed away in April of that year, was unable to witness the stage.

Master Wang said, "It is deeply moving to present the personally special 'Heungboga' again at the National Theater after 20 years," adding, "As an educator teaching future generations, I feel a great burden and responsibility to set an example, but I will do my best."

Wang Gicheol began his singing career at the age of 16, learning gayageum byeongchang and singing from master Park Guihee. He later studied various pansori styles under renowned masters of the time, including Jeong Gwonjin (Simcheongga), Kim Sohee (Chunhyangga), Jo Sanghyun (Chunhyangga, Simcheongga), Han Nongsun (Heungboga), Kim Kyungsook (Jeokbyeokga), and Wang Gichang (Heungboga). In 2001, he won first place (Presidential Award) in the pansori master category at the 27th Jeonju Daesaseupnori National Competition and received the KBS Gugak Award for pansori the following year, establishing himself as a master singer.

After joining the National Changgeuk Company in 1999, he played leading roles in numerous productions over 14 years, including Lee Mongryong in "Chunhyangjeon," Sim Bongsa in "Simcheongjeon," Heungbo in "Heungbojeon," Byeoljubu in "Sugungga," Lee Kyungsik in the creative changgeuk "Jebi," the narrator in the thriller changgeuk "Janghwa Hongryeon," and Yubong in "Seopyeonje." He has also focused on theoretical research, publishing papers on pansori vocal techniques. Since 2017, he has been serving as the principal of the National Traditional Arts Middle and High School, dedicating himself to nurturing future talents.

The full performance will feature Kim Kyuhyung, appointed artistic director of the Gwangju City Changgeuk Company in January, and Kim Hak-yong, beloved for his comedic acting in the National Changgeuk Company, as gosu (drummers). Yoo Youngdae, president of Gugak FM, will provide commentary and host the event.

The National Theater's full pansori performances have been a dream stage since their inception in 1984, featuring the era's top master singers such as Seong Changsoon, Park Songhee, Seong Woohyang, Nam Haeseong, and Song Soonseop. It is known as the longest-running full pansori stage where audiences can fully appreciate the entire pansori piece and its value.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.